To All Researchers
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Director, University Library

 

　Our university has established an Academic Information Infrastructure Development Plan under which electronic journals and databases are purchased centrally, with the costs shared between departments and the institution. As a research university, we have made continuous efforts to provide stable access to electronic journals and databases.
　During this period, the prices of electronic journals and related resources have continued to rise, further accelerated by the depreciation of the yen. The institution has covered these increases, keeping departmental contributions suppressed.However, given the university’s recent financial situation, it will be difficult to maintain the current level of resources in the coming years. Therefore, it is necessary to review the cost sharing model for FY 2028 and beyond, including options such as “revising the titles under contract” and “increasing departmental contributions.”
　In order to ensure the continuous and stable provision of electronic journals and related resources, we would like to ask for your feedback. We kindly request your cooperation in completing the following survey.

 

● Survey Link　:　https://forms.office.com/r/Sq4wKtXhKq
● Deadline　　： February 27, 2026 (Friday)
● Estimated time required　:　Approx. 8 minutes

 

▶ 第4期後半(令和7～9年度)学術情報基盤整備計画(Current Plan)
Approximately 9,000 electronic journal titles and 8 databases are provided, and the subscription cost for FY 2026 is expected to be 334.3 million yen.　(Departmental contribution: 90 million yen; Institutional contribution: 244.3 million yen)
● 学術基盤整備計画　https://library.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/?page_id=18408
● (Restricted) Contract Amounts Since FY 2010　https://library.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/gakunai/simulation.pdf

 

▶ Current Situation Surrounding Electronic Journals and Databases
The prices of electronic journals continue to rise each year as content is added and updated, increasing the volume of available materials. In recent years, the weakening of the yen has further contributed to price increases.
Since 2024, we have introduced Transformative Agreements (Read & Publish contracts) to curb the total amount paid to publishers for both APC (Article Processing Charges) and subscription fees. In addition, the 100,000 yen paid by users of this system helps offset subscription costs. At the national level, the Cabinet Office and related organizations have established a framework for collective negotiations with academic publishers to improve price negotiation leverage.

 

Contact:Academic Information Section, General Affairs Department (Oshimi)　johokikaku-kafuku@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp